- Joined
- Jul 12, 2010
- Threads
- 28
- Messages
- 123
- Location
- Rogers/Bentonville AR
- Website
- www.wilder.solutions
Well brand new for me anyway.
Hi, I'm Gobo and I thought I'd introduce myself. I started off with an 80 series (gas) a few years ago, but now I'm moving into the big leagues:
Here's the story as I heard it:
A billionaire businessman from Texas was doing some of his business in Belize when he spotted a shiny new 1979 BJ-40 (left hand drive in Belize) and had to have it.
He bought it and had it shipped home, where it sat in his aircraft hangar in Dallas for the next 30 years or so. Then, about a year ago, a wealthy businessman in Florida happened upon it and offered to take it off the Texan's hands. Soon it was on a truck headed for Fort Pierce in the sunshine state. Now, a year later, the Floridian is thinning his herd and moving south to the keys and wanted the Cruiser out of his life.
Meanwhile I've been looking for a diesel land cruiser for some time, and this is one of only 2 LHD Diesels in decent shape that I found for sale. I found them both on the same day and called this one first. I was disappointed to hear that it had been sold just that morning and payment was pending. He wasn't interested in a better offer because the money wasn't really an issue; he was selling it to a friend for 18k.
I called on the other and after a conversation about it the guy said that he would take no less than 28,000, and that I should look into a RHD since that's a little more within my price range.
I emailed the first one, (in FL) and told him that if the deal didn't work out I'd be down there to buy it as soon as he gave the word.
Well, I'd been home minding my own business when my aunt and uncle stopped by on their way to Idaho where they are moving with their family, but due to an emergency my aunt had to fly on early leaving her car in Arkansas so they asked if I would drive it up to Idaho for them. I grabbed a change of clothes and 20 some hours later I was in Idaho and planning to fly home that afternoon.
Which is when I heard from the guy in Florida. So instead of flying back to Arkansas, I flew to Florida and bought the Cruiser. Several alligators, one manatee, and a minor torn diaphragm later I made it back to Arkansas.
I'll post some better pictures later too, especially of the stereo setup which is pretty slick.
oh and one other thing....
It's got 48,800 KILOMETERS on it. Almost 30,000 miles.
I also have a couple of questions, but I can't think of them now. I'll get back to you with those.
The one I do remember is this: If I take off the roof and the doors, is there anything left holding the windshield up? From the looks of it I need the roof on to hold the windshield up.
Hi, I'm Gobo and I thought I'd introduce myself. I started off with an 80 series (gas) a few years ago, but now I'm moving into the big leagues:
Here's the story as I heard it:
A billionaire businessman from Texas was doing some of his business in Belize when he spotted a shiny new 1979 BJ-40 (left hand drive in Belize) and had to have it.
He bought it and had it shipped home, where it sat in his aircraft hangar in Dallas for the next 30 years or so. Then, about a year ago, a wealthy businessman in Florida happened upon it and offered to take it off the Texan's hands. Soon it was on a truck headed for Fort Pierce in the sunshine state. Now, a year later, the Floridian is thinning his herd and moving south to the keys and wanted the Cruiser out of his life.
Meanwhile I've been looking for a diesel land cruiser for some time, and this is one of only 2 LHD Diesels in decent shape that I found for sale. I found them both on the same day and called this one first. I was disappointed to hear that it had been sold just that morning and payment was pending. He wasn't interested in a better offer because the money wasn't really an issue; he was selling it to a friend for 18k.
I called on the other and after a conversation about it the guy said that he would take no less than 28,000, and that I should look into a RHD since that's a little more within my price range.
I emailed the first one, (in FL) and told him that if the deal didn't work out I'd be down there to buy it as soon as he gave the word.
Well, I'd been home minding my own business when my aunt and uncle stopped by on their way to Idaho where they are moving with their family, but due to an emergency my aunt had to fly on early leaving her car in Arkansas so they asked if I would drive it up to Idaho for them. I grabbed a change of clothes and 20 some hours later I was in Idaho and planning to fly home that afternoon.
Which is when I heard from the guy in Florida. So instead of flying back to Arkansas, I flew to Florida and bought the Cruiser. Several alligators, one manatee, and a minor torn diaphragm later I made it back to Arkansas.
I'll post some better pictures later too, especially of the stereo setup which is pretty slick.
oh and one other thing....
It's got 48,800 KILOMETERS on it. Almost 30,000 miles.
I also have a couple of questions, but I can't think of them now. I'll get back to you with those.
The one I do remember is this: If I take off the roof and the doors, is there anything left holding the windshield up? From the looks of it I need the roof on to hold the windshield up.
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Thanks for sharing it.
